Ferrari left very good feelings on the first day of the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, in fact, the driver from Madrid led the second free practice session ahead of all his rivals.
That made the expectations of the Maranello team in a track that on paper benefited Ferrari more than Red Bull grew at times, especially after seeing the problems of the Austrian team with the cars of Max Verstappen and also Sergio Pérez.
However, in qualifying, the only Scuderia driver who stood out above the rest was Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque was faster almost constantly and ended up taking pole position with a time of 1:49.412 , while Carlos Sainz had to confirm himself with fourth position, at a distance of 0.171s.
As soon as he got out of his F1-75, the Spanish driver analyzed the Marina Bay qualifying session and admitted that the team must improve in several aspects if they really want to fight for pole positions/victories in each and every one of the races in the near future.
“It was a bit of a chaotic qualifier, a lot of traffic in Q1 and Q2, without being able to make good laps. Then in Q3 I think we were right with the tires, starting with the soft one, but yes, on the last lap I was the first to cross the finish line and here it is clear that those who come from behind are going to overtake you”.
“Those are the things we need to keep improving, because at that point you really want to be the last to go through the finish line and I think I was the first.”
“Also, I didn’t know that I had another lap to go because they haven’t told me, so it’s time to improve that. Even so, I’ve stayed a tenth and a half from pole,” revealed the Madrid native.
Thinking about this Sunday’s race, Carlos Sainz was positive and even spoke of chances of victory, although he believes that everything will depend on how the day unfolds.
“Come back and try to get to the podium. We started fourth, we have to make a good start and fight for the podium and if we can win then go for it”.
“It’s a circuit where anything or nothing can happen. Either a lot of safety cars or a boring race because you can’t overtake much. Let’s see what we find tomorrow,” concluded the Spanish Ferrari driver.
